Friends with Words Adventures in Languageland

Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland by Martha Barnette is a playful, enthusiastic celebration of the English language — its history, quirks, hidden meanings, and surprising connections. Barnette, co-host of the beloved radio show A Way with Words, brings infectious curiosity to etymology, wordplay, and the stories behind everyday language. Each chapter explores a different corner of linguistic life — from borrowed words and false friends to the unexpected origins of common phrases — making the book ideal for language lovers, word nerds, and anyone who has ever wondered why we say things the way we do. Written with warmth and accessibility, Friends with Words is the kind of book you dip into for five minutes and emerge from an hour later, having learned something genuinely surprising. Published by Abrams, this is a delight for curious minds of all ages.